## Introduction Purchasing property in Ghana is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll ever make. The process differs meaningfully from the UK or US, and knowing what to expect prevents costly mistakes. ## Step 1: Establish Your Budget Before viewing a single property, be crystal clear on your numbers: - **Purchase price** (usually USD for premium properties) - **Stamp duty**: 0.5% of purchase price - **Legal fees**: typically 1–2% of purchase price - **Agent fees**: 2–5% (often negotiable) - **Survey and title search fees**: GH₵2,000–5,000 ## Step 2: Choose Your Location Location determines everything — value retention, rental demand, lifestyle, and daily commute. In Accra, the premium residential belt runs from **Cantonments → Airport Residential → Labone → East Legon**. ## Step 3: Verify the Title This is the most critical step. Ghana has multiple land tenure systems: - **Freehold / Leasehold from Stool Lands** - **Family land** - **Government land (vested)** Always conduct a **Land Title Search** at the Lands Commission before paying any deposit. Your solicitor should do this for you. Look for any encumbrances, caveats, or multiple sales (the infamous "land guard" situation). ## Step 4: Engage a Solicitor Never proceed without an independent solicitor — not one referred by the seller. Your solicitor will: - Conduct a title search - Draft or review the purchase agreement - Hold deposits in escrow - Register the transfer at the Lands Commission ## Step 5: Make Your Offer Most sellers in Ghana expect negotiation. A good starting point is 8–12% below asking price. Be prepared with proof of funds. ## Step 6: Sign the Sale & Purchase Agreement Do not sign anything until your solicitor has reviewed the S&P Agreement. Key clauses to check: completion date, penalty for delay, what is included in the sale (fixtures, fittings, appliances). ## Step 7: Complete and Register Upon completion, the Transfer Instrument is signed before a commissioner for oaths and submitted to the Lands Commission for registration. This process typically takes 60–90 days. ## Common Pitfalls to Avoid - Paying a deposit without a receipt and S&P Agreement - Skipping the title search - Using the seller's lawyer - Not clarifying what's included in the sale price *The Begye Akazon team provides end-to-end guidance through every step of your purchase.*